CARDIAC RESYNCHRONISATION THERAPY (CRT)

What is Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) DEVICE? Is it a pacemaker?

A CRT device is a specific type of Device which has an extra lead. In some cases it is a lead that is given in addition to a simple pacemaker and can also be given in addition to a implantable cardioverter defibrillator device. CRT is generally given to patients with heart failure and whose hearts are beating in an uncoordinated manner. The addition of the extra CRT lead is to try and stimulate the heart in a specific pattern to improve the way it pumps and restore a coordinated pumping action between its chambers, increasing the amount of blood pumped from the heart around the body, and easing heart failure symptoms.

The CRT device similar to a pacemaker and ICD is implanted near the shoulder which leads going into the heart. It is a slightly longer procedure due to the extra lead that is required.